Monthly Archives: February 2014

Caterpillars move slowly and inefficiently. They typically have all they need in front of them (food) so no need to hurry. Caterpillars that are attacked or provoked may wish to retreat more rapidly. John Brackenbury* observed the escape tactics used … Continue reading →

Genetically modified plants currently used in insect pest control primarily produce protein toxins, such as the Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. Only a single gene needs to be inserted in the plant genome to have the plant produce a BT toxin. There … Continue reading →

The Golf World is buzzing about Sergio Garcia and “bees”. In the WCG match play in Marana, AZ, Garcia’s shot landed near the edge of the green. In the video below, you can see a swarm of insects buzzing around … Continue reading →

In previous posts, I have mentioned that the most distal (fifth tarsal segment) segment of the walking stick leg differs from the four proximal segments. A tarsal claw arises from the fifth segment and the “pad” of the fifth segment … Continue reading →

In a previous post, I briefly described the tarsi of the stick insect and the function of the tarsal claw. The tarsi have 5 segments, with the claw extending from the fifth segment. The proximal four segments have pads. The … Continue reading →

Ed Martinet is a French sculptor who incorporates materials used for other purposes into works of art. The parts are screwed together into an art form. Many of his sculptures are inspired by biology. His insect sculptures capture the rich … Continue reading →

Stick insects live in trees and are adapted to climbing and “sticking” to vertical and horizontal surfaces. The tarsi of the legs are divided into 5 segments that maintain contact with surfaces. The first four segments are equipped with hairy … Continue reading →